Plantation Shutters: Should They Be Lighter or Darker Than My Interior?

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Plantation shutters are a bespoke product; every detail chosen by you takes you a step closer to your perfect window covering.

Some decisions come naturally – you may know which style plantation shutter you want, tier-on-tier, cafe style, full height or solid. However, some choices can be more difficult.

Colour choice is often one of the factors that customers struggle with deciding. Then the fun begins when choosing the finer colour choices.

A question we often hear when customers are deciding the colour for their plantation shutters is: should my shutters be lighter or darker than their surrounding walls?

Light vs Dark

Just like all design selections, the answer to the question very much comes down to personal preference and what you are looking to achieve in your interiors.

When deciding the colour for your shutters, ask: how do I want the shutters to feature in each room? Do I want them to blend seamlessly into the chic architecture or be a statement addition?

The most common choice for painted shutters is often to choose a finish that is the same colour as the walls or lighter. However, darker colours can create a wonderful contrast and is a popular choice for those looking to make a bolder statement.

If you’re finding yourself on the fence on whether to go a lighter or darker colour finish, our shutter specialists can talk you through the different choices at your free, no obligation in-house survey.

 

For more information on plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Are My Windows too High for Plantation Shutters?

At Totally Shutters, we are often confronted by customers who want plantation shutters but believe their windows are too high up.

At first, they believe their windows cannot be covered with plantation shutters, and then they believe they cannot open and close them.

Plantation shutters for high windows

Plantation shutters can be installed on almost any window, no matter how high the window may seem.

If you want to have control of the louvres and the shutter panels of your plantation shutters and they’re too high to reach, a telescopic pole is an ideal solution. It extends to reach and has a shaped rubber end, perfect for getting between the slats to control them without damaging anything.

 

For more information on plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Can Plantation Shutters Prevent Condensation on Windows?

The temperatures have dropped, and as we prepare our homes for winter, the windows become more prone to condensation.

Window condensation can be a nightmare for any homeowner, leading to mould and mildew growth. But what causes condensation, and is there anything that to prevent it? And can plantation shutters help prevent condensation?

What causes condensation on windows?

Condensation is when water vapour in the air deposits itself on surfaces at lower temperatures. When most air comes into contact with the cold glass surface of a window, it condenses and forms droplets.

Internal condensation often occurs due to humidity within the space or insufficient air circulation.

How can plantation shutters help to stop condensation on windows?

Condensation on windows can be a problem, especially in the winter. Plantation shutters can help reduce condensation effectively.

As shutters have moveable slats, allowing for the windows to be open with privacy maintained to keep ventilation and reduce condensation.

 

For more information on plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Money Saving Tips to Reduce Energy Bills

The price of bills has soared and, as of November 2022, shows no signs of slowing down. This can have you feeling deflated, but fear not, this handy blog post will give you a few tips on reducing your energy bills.

Ways to reduce your energy bills

Saving money on your energy bills can be implemented with a few changes. There are several things you can do today that will save you money tomorrow:
Don’t leave appliances on standby
Use the heating sparingly
Wear extra layers to avoid turning on the heating
Avoid leaving the lights on
Keep windows and doors closed to help with insulation
Buy draft excluders

Keeping your home warm with shutters

Trying to keep your home warm during the winter is a large proportion of energy bill costs. Keeping energy output low is vital to reducing your bills. One of the best ways to achieve this is by making sure your windows are up to the task.

Lots of warmth is lost through the windows, and this is noticeable with single-glaze windows. By upgrading your windows to double or triple-glazing, you will notice a huge difference in how quickly the home heats up.

Adding plantation shutters to your windows can also help reduce energy bills. A stunning window dressing that will impress your visitors, plantation shutters prevent heat from escaping or drafts from entering the room..

 

For more information on plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

My Shutter Slat is Broken – How Can I Repair It?

Accidents happen, and over the years we have come across a number of incidents that have resulted in plantation shutters being broken.

From shutters being at the brunt end of being hit by a ball to animals using the window dressing as a scratching post, it seems that even something as robust as plantation shutters can still be the victim of accidental damage.

We are therefore occasionally contacted by disgruntled homeowners asking “how can I repair my broken plantation shutter?”

Replacing your broken plantation shutter slat

In most cases, where a slat has been broken, we can arrange for a replacement slat to be fitted in place and get those plantation shutters back to their beautifully finished former self.

To order a replacement slat, simply get in touch with our team of shutter experts, who will be able to assist. Replacement slats will be linked to your previous order so that batching methods are precisely matched in manufacturing the slat, ensuring the exact match to the shutters in place.

For this reason, we are only able to offer replacement slats for plantation shutters that have been supplied by Totally Shutters.

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For more information on repairing a broken plantation shutter slat or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Blocking Out Fireworks With Plantation Shutters

It’s autumn, and as leaves adorn our streets, fireworks start to brighten up our nighttime skies. This can be a worrying time for pet owners, as the loud bangs can result in the distress of their animals. And although there’s a great deal of advice out there on the best solutions to help calm firework-related anxiety, it can all be a little bit too overwhelming to comprehend.

Fear not, plantation shutters may be the solution you’re looking for.

The noise reduction benefits of plantation shutters

Plantation shutters boast a range of benefits including light, privacy and temperature control, as well as insulating properties. On top of these great benefits are the noise-reducing possibilities that shutters provide.

No matter what material you opt for, having plantation shutters fixed to your window frame can quieten any outdoor noise, including the loud bangs of the fireworks.

Shutters may not completely block out all sound from the outside, but they do help to significantly reduce the noise in a more efficient way than other window dressings. Having plantation shutters on bonfire night can be a blessing.

If you have plantation shutters installed, utilise the noise reduction benefits by keeping the panels and slats closed to help keep your animals and home happy during the fireworks displays.

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For more information on plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Can You Open Windows With Plantation Shutters Installed?

A common question we get from customers is, “can you still open your windows once plantation shutters are installed?”

In most instances where interior plantation shutters are installed to windows, the open and close function of the window remains operational. However, there are some exceptions where a window opening may be restricted.

For instance, with an inward opening window and a shutter frame that restricts the range of the window operation, the window will not open or close. If this is the case, the Totally Shutters experts will inform you of this during your free, no-obligation in-house survey.

Your plantation shutter choice

How your window will operate once your plantation shutters have been installed depends on the style of window and choice of shutter. During your free, no-obligation in-house survey, we will explain to you your different options and how your window will operate with each one.

With so many different options available in made-to-measure plantation shutters, there is always a perfect option for both the window opening function and the aesthetic of the shutter you want.

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For more information on plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Are Plantation Shutters Good for Insulation?

With the cost of living crisis and heating rising rapidly, you may be looking at ways to reduce your energy costs during the colder months without breaking the bank. Plantation shutters may be the solution for you.

Most heat lost from homes is through the windows and doors, so having these areas sealed will help prevent this. However, your window dressing can play a part in preventing heat from escaping.

Plantation shutters are an investment 

Choosing your window dressings can be a long-lasting investment in your home that may help prevent heat loss.

Plantation shutters are permanent fixtures in window spaces. As they are bespoke, they fit the intended space perfectly, acting like an extra layer to the window area, helping insulate the room.

Further, plantation shutters absorb heat from the room and provide a physical barrier between the window and the room space, preventing more heat from being lost to the window.

All year-round benefits 

Temperature-controlling benefits aren’t just limited to insulating the home during the winter but are an excellent choice all year-round. In summer months, plantation shutters can be used to create ventilation throughout a room while keeping privacy and shade maintained.

Plantation shutters really are an investment. The long-term benefits of adding shutters to a window include increased privacy and light control.

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For more information on the benefits of plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

4 Ways to Soundproof Your Nursery

Babies and young children need an ample amount of sleep, ranging from 8 hours a night to 14-17 hours a day for newborns. Making your nursery soundproof is incredibly important to ensure your child is as comfortable as possible and their sleep is undisturbed.

Here are four ideas to help you soundproof your nursery and ensure your children have a good night and day sleep:

1. Soundproof your door

Most homes have hollow-core doors and these can let in a lot of noise. Opting for a solid-core door will prevent noise from seeping into the room.  Adding door strips around the edge of the door is also a great option to stop sound from entering the room. 

2. Consider your flooring

Sound echoes in an empty room, and this applies to rooms with solid floors. Opting for carpets in your child’s nursery can help to keep the noise levels down. If you have a wooden floor and would rather keep it, opt for a rug or two instead. 

3. Decorate your room

An empty room is a noisy room. Filling up the space with things like bookshelves, couches and picture frames will help muffle sound and make a huge difference. Placing as much furniture against the walls as possible will help optimise soundproofing.

4. Invest in plantation shutters

Noise from outside can be incredibly disruptive. Even if you’re in a rural area, outdoor noises such as birds can ruin your baby’s or young child’s sleeping pattern. Ensuring you have the correct window covering is essential. Plantation shutters can reduce outdoor noise from coming in. 

 

For more information on nursery plantation shutters for your child’s bedroom or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

How Long Do Plantation Shutters Last?

When shopping for a window covering, one of the main things to consider, along with the look and practicality, is its longevity. Plantation shutters boast a range of benefits, one of which is they’re built to last.

How long do plantation shutters last?

At Totally Shutters, we give customers the best value for their money, producing high-quality products that withstand the test of time. All of our ranges, both hardwood and vinyl, come with a 5-year warranty as standard, but with the right care and attention, there is no reason they shouldn’t last for twenty years or more. 

Long-lasting plantation shutters

Plantation shutters are incredibly low maintenance and easy to clean, requiring a wipe-down with a damp cloth. With regular maintenance, your plantation shutters will last a lifetime. 

Plantation shutters require less maintenance than curtains or blinds and are easier to clean. Whether you decide on full height, tier-on-tier, cafe style or solid shutters, you will enjoy your plantation shutters for years to come. 

 

For more information on plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.